It can be useful to have your phone handy while you cook, but it's worth taking the proper precautions to prevent damaging it. Fortunately, there are many helpful steps you can take and devices you can use to help protect your phone. For example, use a case - or even a plastic storage bag - to protect your phone from stray ingredients. Further, use a stand or holder to keep the phone propped up and within a comfortable line-of-sight.

Steps

Method1

Protecting Your Phone in the Kitchen

1

Prevent the screen from turning off. One important step to take before you begin cooking is turning off the auto-lock on your phone. This will prevent you from having to fiddle with your phone every time the screen automatically goes black.[1]

The specific steps to take to turn off auto-lock with vary from phone to phone. On most, phones, however, you’ll find the option to turn off auto-lock (or to lock the screen in “on” mode) in the “Settings” application.

On Apple devices that operate with iOS, Open the “Settings” app, look in “General,” and find “Auto-Lock”. Select “Never” to keep the screen from going out while you’re trying.

It’s best to make this step temporary, as leaving your screen on permanently will drain your phone’s battery, and may prevent your phone from requiring a passcode to gain access. As such, return the settings to whatever you prefer once you’re done cooking.

2

Put your phone in a re-sealable plastic bag. Believe it or not, one of the best ways to protect your phone while you cook is by using something that’s likely already in your kitchen. Resealable plastic storage bags, such as Ziploc bags, can protect your phone just as well as some of the waterproof bags that are sold specifically to protect phones. Further, they will still allow you to press your phone’s buttons and use its touchscreen.[2]

Keep the bag around when you’re done cooking for use next time. Magnet it to the fridge or put it in a drawer with your cooking utensils.

The waterproof bags you can purchase that designed to protect for use are better for things like running in the rain or going kayaking. This is partly because they float, or have lanyard attachments, which are likely features you don’t need in the kitchen.

3

Wrap it in plastic wrap. If you don’t have an plastic storage bags, you can use plastic wrap instead. Wrap the phone snugly with a few layers, folding initial layers onto themselves before adding the next. Make sure the final layer is sealed well by rubbing it gently all over.[3]

The touchscreen will still work with plastic wrap covering your phone, although you won't have access to the headphone jack or charging port. Audio quality from the phone will also be diminished.

4

Buy a reliable case for permanent use. There are many different reliable cases cases available for most phones. If you like to cook with your phone, consider purchasing a case that is waterproof. Often, these cases are also dust-proof and shockproof, meaning your phone will be protected from ingredients like flour or a an accidental drop as well.

It’s a good idea to put a high quality case on your phone, even if you only cook with it occasionally. You can never predict when you may get caught in the rain!

There are too many to list, and recommended cases vary depend on the type of phone you have. LifeProof and OtterBox, for instance, are extremely popular options.

Note that some cases have built-in, fold-out stands that may be helpful if you like to use your phone while cooking.

Method2

Using Something to Hold Your Phone

1

Fasten a temporary stand. There are many ways you can fasten or position something to hold your phone upright to help you use it while cooking. Then, you can prop your phone up where you can easily see it. This will limit the amount you have to touch your phone and reduce the risk of dirtying or damaging it.[4]

You can likely use something you already have. For instance, you can quickly and easily fashion a stand out of cardboard, a plastic cup, or even paper clips.

Bending a coat hanger into a stand is another great option, as it can be adjusted to hold your phone in different locations.[5]

Even while using something to prop your phone up, be sure to set it out of harm's way.

2

Use your cabinets to hold your phone. Aside from touching your phone with dirty hands, another common risk to your phone in the kitchen is spilling. To reduce the likelihood of spilling on or near your phone, avoid placing it on the same surface you're using to cook. For instance, if you're mixing up some batter on the counter, open the cabinet above and set your phone on one of the shelves.

You can even lean your phone against a stack of plates or whatever else in the cabinet to provide easy viewing. Alternatively, you could also grab a box of cereal from the cupboard and set it wherever you're cooking to hold your phone off of the cooking surface.

If you accidentally spill a liquid ingredient on the counter, it won't submerge or seep onto your phone.

3

Purchase a stand designed for your phone. There are likely stands that are designed specifically to hold your phone. One advantage these have is that they often hold your phone off of the surface on which you rest the stand. As such, not only will you be able to easily read from your phone or otherwise use it, it will also be better protected from spills.

If you want to use your phone for audio while cooking, consider purchasing a speaker dock that you can plug your phone into. Some of these are even damage resistant, though they are likely best positioned in a place where they cannot be spilled upon.

4

Build your own permanent holder. An especially helpful feature in your kitchen may be a custom built holder for your phone. If you tend to work in the same location, think about whether you could mount a small box or other type of holder where you could easily see it.[6]

For instance, mount a small box or tray above your cutting board or prep station.

You can easily screw a small plastic box directly into a wooden cabinet for instance. The degree of craftsmanship - and the location - is entirely up to you.